Howard County Police routinely respond to calls for persons with an identified developmental, intellectual, degenerative or physical disorder or disability who have wandered off, gone missing, or are in a state of crisis. With the 9-1-1 flagging program, police can be alerted immediately that the person involved has a certain condition and provided with valuable information and ways to help before they even arrive. For example, a child that goes missing and is drawn to water could be at significant risk, and getting officers to those locations faster--before even arriving at your house--could be lifesaving. Providing information that your loved one is deaf would significantly affect the way an officer communicates with them, without adding to the confusion of an already stressful or chaotic incident. The database can be used for any relevant mental or physical health concern, to include:

Autism

Alzheimer’s

Intellectual or Developmental Disability

Physical disability, such as blindness or deafness

Mental health diagnoses

Other behavior that may affect police response

HCPD encourages those with special circumstances to use the flagging program so that officers can be provided with important information before they arrive at your residence. All information remains confidential and is never shared with outside entities, and is only used to benefit responding officers.

Law Enforcement personnel respond to thousands of false alarm calls yearly. These unnecessary responses result in an enormous burden in manpower and expense; which in turn reduces the time available to respond to real emergencies.

The Howard County Police Department can assist owners and managers of private property with the enforcement of trespass laws through the banning process. The department enforces trespass laws in an effort to resolve quality of life complaints and have a positive impact on the community.

Register your bike with the Howard County Police Department. This is a free service for Howard County residents allowing you to manage your bike information and report if stolen. Upon registration, we will mail you an assigned serial number to identify your bike.

The Howard County Police Department periodically highlights unsolved homicide investigations in the hopes of generating new tips and information. Despite lengthy and complex investigations, family members of these homicide victims are still awaiting justice for their parent, sibling or child. View open cold cases here.

Detectives are seeking information from witnesses or anyone who may have further knowledge about any of these cases. Anyone with information is urged to contact 410-313-STOP or email hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers may remain anonymous and may earn a reward.

Howard County Police conduct joint investigations into child abuse at the Howard County Child Advocacy Center. Cases involving sexual and serious physical child abuse are investigated through a multi-disciplinary framework, including Child Protective Services, the Howard County States Attorney’s Office, the Howard County Health Department, the STTAR Center and the Domestic Violence Center. Detectives utilize a victim-centered response to sex offense investigations, coordinating joint response and case follow-up from allied agencies. If you have knowledge of child abuse, please call police at 410-313-2200.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (LEOSA) allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm nationwide. It is the intent of the Howard County Police Department to offer its retirees the opportunity to certify under the parameters of the law.

All applicants, including those already certified under LEOSA, must fill out the HCPD Application for Certification to Carry a Concealed Firearm. This form can be obtained below or at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center on the day you qualify. If you choose to print and complete the application before your qualification date, please fax the completed form (which does not have to be notarized) to 410-313-3212. All applicants must re-apply annually. Before any applicant is issued a LEOSA photo ID card from the department, he or she must successfully complete both qualifying courses (daylight and lowlight), and complete and submit the two-page application. A background check will be conducted on all applicants.

Did you know you can dispose of your unwanted medication any day of the year at one of our permanent drop off locations? They're OPEN DAILY YEAR ROUND! Dispose of unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications safely and anonymously.

The Howard County Police Museum, located at 8267 Main St., Hamilton St. entrance, in Ellicott City, features exhibits detailing the bravery, dedication and sacrifices displayed by the men and women of HCPD while keeping this community safe since the department's founding in 1952. The museum tells the stories of officers who have given their lives in service to their fellow citizens as well as major cases the department has investigated. Visitors will also discover how the department has evolved and changed over the years to keep pace with society.

Exhibits include:

Chiefs of Police

Fallen Heroes

Vintage uniforms

Historical badges

Antique weapons and more!

More information on museum exhibits and hours is available on their website, www.hcpdmuseum.com.

Howard County Code requires the issuance of a permit for any activities which impede "the normal movement of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic through and along the public streets, highways or roads in Howard County."

For events requiring a permit, dates and times are accepted and reserved on a first in -come, first-served basis. Request a special event permit here.

Few events in someone’s life are more traumatic than becoming a victim of crime or domestic violence. The Howard County Department of Police is sensitive to the emotional distress that may occur following these incidents and is committed to assisting victims through the judicial and recovery processes.

The Victim Assistance Section is staffed with personnel trained to provide crisis intervention, advocacy and support services to crime victims. Assistance includes emotional support, referral to specific provider agencies for focused follow-up services, assistance with filing court papers and monetary claims, court accompaniment, guidance through the criminal justice process and evaluation services for referral to trauma debriefing. Timely interaction with a victim advocate may help enhance the speed and quality of healing.

Crime victims in Maryland are entitled to certain statutory rights. The Maryland State Board of Victim Services and the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention have published a brochure that provides an overview of those rights, as well as information on available victim services. The brochure, titled “Crime Victims and Witnesses: Your Rights and Services,” is available in English and Spanish.